Financial Settlements

When there is a divorce the Court has wide powers to deal with financial arrangements between couples. The family home, business, pensions, savings and maintenance can all be provided for and decisions made by the Court. At Hayes + Storr we try to help clients avoid the need for the Court to make a decision by being proactive in negotiations and seeking an agreed settlement. This keeps our clients more in control of the process and the legal fees involved.

Before reaching any settlement it is important that all financial information is obtained and collated. This disclosure process is essential to ensure there is complete openness and honesty to base a settlement on. There can sometimes be difficulties in receiving this full disclosure when we will advise you on how to obtain all of the necessary financial information and any further investigations that might be needed. We take nothing for granted and will work with you to achieve the settlement you are entitled to whether that is in a straightforward or more complex situation.

It is sometimes necessary to involve mediation services if the above disclosure is not forthcoming or the parties are unable to agree the way forward. We can help make this referral and help in the background to ensure the agreement reached is fair and all avenues have been considered.

As a last resort the Court will make a decision on all issues or disputes after taking into account relevant factors and the background. Predicting and advising on the likely outcome is vital. The experience of our Family Team allows us to do this in a pragmatic and constructive way.

If matters can be agreed then the process will normally run parallel with that of the divorce. It is almost always vital to obtain a Consent Order detailing the agreement reached which then allows you to move on with your life.

It is important to get your advice early and before making any final decisions. We offer a reduced rate fixed fee appointment for all new clients. Please request the family department on 01328 863231 in the first instance for all new family enquires.

Financial Settlements Team

Anna joined the Sheringham office of Hayes + Storr in May 2011 and is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Legal Executives, specialising in Wills and Probate, Powers of Attorney, Elderly Client and Private Client Services.

Anna studied at the University of East Anglia gaining a BA (Hons) in History in 2003 and an MA in Early Modern History in 2004. She then moved down to Devon and undertook her ILEX examinations whilst working for a firm of Solicitors in Torquay. Anna became a Graduate Member of ILEX in August 2010 and won the ILEX Student of the Year Award 2010 for achieving the highest average score in her exams.

Away from the office, Anna enjoys equine sports and has retained an interest in history. She is particularly pleased to be back in Nelson’s County.

Fiona joined Hayes + Storr in October 2017 and works out of the Kings Lynn and Swaffham offices specialising in Wills and Probate and Powers of Attorney.

She studied at UCLAN on a part time basis whilst working as a para-legal for a firm in Lytham St Annes and qualified as a solicitor in 2001.

Fiona initially specialised in personal injury but did a conversion course, to practice as a Private Client solicitor, at Oxford University. In her spare time, Fiona loves to get out walking with her husband and enjoys keeping fit.

Fiona joined Hayes + Storr in 2002 and became a partner in 2011. She specialises in Wills, Probate and Powers of Attorney. Prior to joining the Wills & Probate department, Fiona worked for several years in Family law and Employment law, and still deals with non-contentious employment matters.

Fiona was brought up in the North East and moved to Norfolk with her family in 2001. She studied Social Anthropology at Cambridge University and then worked in the Diplomatic Service prior to her career change to the law. She completed her training contract with Cole & Cole of Oxford and worked for Hertfordshire County Council in the Department of Law & Administration prior to joining Hayes + Storr.

Jane joined Hayes + Storr in 1986 and gained her ILEX qualifications. She specialises in Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection Deputyships and Elderly Client. Jane qualified as a member of STEP in 1996 and later as a member of Solicitors for the Elderly.

Jane was born in Buckinghamshire and brought up and educated in North London/Hertfordshire. She came to Norfolk in 1974 after marrying a Norfolk man.

Jane has two rescue dogs, enjoys cooking and vegetable gardening. On Jane’s ‘wish list’ of things to do, she has achieved riding over the Massi Mara in a hot air balloon, has ridden a camel up a mountain, been on safari, been swimming with dolphins and ridden elephants.

John joined Hayes + Storr in May 2008 as a solicitor in the firm. He is based at our Wells-next-the-Sea Office and specialises in Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Trust Administration and Private Client Services.

John moved back home to the UK in 2006, having spent almost all of his life in Zimbabwe, where he qualified as a legal practitioner in 1975. Having completed his conversion exams, John was admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in November 2007.

John and his wife are enjoying living in Norfolk and he lists his interests as first and foremost his grandchildren, followed by golf, watching most sports, travel and the flora of the UK.

Laura joined Hayes + Storr in July 1999 and has worked hard to become a qualified Lawyer. Laura qualified as a F.Inst.LEx in 2009 and is based at our Wells office. She specialises in Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Elderly Client and Private Client Services.

Laura is a local girl having lived in Wells for 21 years, she is married and has recently become a mum. She enjoys her family, socialising with friends and walking her black Labrador.

Miranda joined Hayes + Storr in 2008 as a partner of the firm. Miranda specialises in Private Client work encompassing Wills, Trusts, Capital Taxation Planning and Advice, Wealth Management together with the handling of higher value and more complex Probate and personal affairs management. Miranda heads up Hayes + Storr’s Wells-next-the-Sea office.

She has also been appointed as a Notary Public and in that capacity is authorised to enable foreign arrangements for clients, both individuals and companies. She is increasingly developing her interest in dealing with clients with overseas assets and connections.

She is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, Charity Law Association, Solicitors for the Elderly and the Notaries’ Society.

Miranda prides herself on providing a highly personal and professional service with client care as her primary focus.

Having lived in North Norfolk since she was a young child Miranda was educated at Gresham’s School, Holt, she read Law at Oxford University (Lady Margaret Hall). Having served her Articles with Eversheds (then Daynes Hill & Perks), Miranda qualified as a solicitor in 1991 and became a partner with Ward Gethin in 1995.

Although her young family are her top priority away from the office, Miranda also tries to find time to enjoy the Norfolk coast and countryside, gardening, reading, music and painting.

Rachel joined Hayes + Storr in April 2012, having relocated from Essex. Rachel assists the Directors with larger probate matters as well as responsibility for smaller Estate Administrations, Lasting Power of Attorney, Wills and Elderly Client Affairs.

Rachel brings a warm and personal way of working with clients - ensuring their wishes are known and fulfilled, whilst guiding them when necessary.

During her spare time, Rachel can be found walking her dogs and competing her horse (with varying degrees of success!)

Robert joined Hayes + Storr in August 2009 as a Solicitor, in April 2013 Robert became a Partner. Robert specialises in Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Trust Administration and Tax.

Robert was born in Alnwick Northumberland. He achieved a BA Hons Degree in History at Leeds University followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Law (CPE) and Legal Practice Course (LPC) at Northumbria University. Robert completed his training contract with Adam Douglas & Son Solicitors, Northumberland.